Shop owners look forward to Small Business Saturday

By Lindsay Starr Platt, The Belton Journal
There is Black Friday and then Small Business Saturday the day after. Small Business Saturday is an effort promoted by American Express for shoppers to spend their money in local small businesses for the holiday season. Belton is a small city that has many small businesses, old and new.

• “I love it. Small Business Saturday is a great way to show support to the community you live in and to keep the money you spend in your community. The small businesses here love to support their community. Most of the shops downtown belong to the Downtown Belton Merchants Association (DBMA). We (DBMA) are joining forces with the City of Belton to put on the Christmas on the Chisholm Trail. This event is important and couldn’t be done without everyone that shops at the small businesses,” said Magdaly Newsome, owner, Southern Comforts – A Vintage Boutique. “I am becoming personally more aware of where I shop because of it. We have customers who are loyal to our business and some who just stumbled upon us. I don’t think one day is enough for people to shop at small businesses, but it is a step in the right direction.”

As shoppers descend on the streets of downtown Belton on Saturday, November 28 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. they will discover sales and specials at participating stores. Also participating stores will be having giveaways of prizes and cash. There will also be lunch and dinner specials at participating downtown restaurants.

• “Small businesses are what make a town thrive. Chain restaurants are great, but there’s nothing like the heart that comes from a family owned business and all they’re trying to do is make their town better,” said Christina Elser, owner,
Sweet Confections Cafe. “I think it’s a great initiative to get people to shop small. A lot of ‘mom and pop shops’ have hidden treasures that you won’t find in a big franchise.”

• “To keep our local economy flourishing and to help put back into the community and surrounding businesses,” commented Maurice Thornton, manager, Dead Fish Grill. “I think it’s a great way to highlight local businesses and a great way for them to gain more exposure to individuals that may have over looked them in the past.”

Small business owners are passionate about their business and the community in Belton. Small businesses know they not only need to keep their doors open, but also the doors of their neighbors to keep the economy afloat.

“We care about our small businesses in Belton. We love to collaborate with them, we host their events and meetings. Aspiring musicians and artists also use our venue to promote their art. We are excited for Small Business Saturday and are giving out shopping bags and pens to those that stop by,” said Hatem Chouchane, owner Arusha’s. “Come on by and try some free tea samples on Saturday.”